Concord's Music and Market, special events offer free family fun

On May 19, the much anticipated launch of this summer's Thursday Night Music and Market series takes place in Todos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord. The series continues through Sept. 15 with the Farmers' Market in the plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. and music on the Todos Santos stage from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The 28th annual Music and Market Series is one of the longest running, most popular free civic concert series in the Bay Area. The series is funded through donations collected from attendees during last year's concert series and by local sponsors. The 2016 sponsor list is led by Concord Disposal, Pacific Service Credit Union, Tesoro, Dolan's Lumber, Chevron, Ashby Lumber, Pacific Coast Farmers' Market, Concord Police Association, Brenden Theatre and the tourism consortium Visit Concord with its “Diablo Valley, Defying Expectations, Concord California” campaign.

Music and Market Highlights

This year's schedule offers an eclectic mix of music from a wide variety of genres, starting May 19 when Cajun Fiddle Master Tom Rigney & Flambeau authentically re-create the sounds and feel of a Louisiana Mardi Gras. Tom Rigney was recently featured in his own hour-long segment of the film series “Music Gone Public” that was broadcast on over 100 PBS stations nationwide.

The series closes on Sept. 15 with The Purple Ones in a farewell tribute to Prince. Three additional shows in the series commemorate the music of performers who have passed on. The Jean Genies Tribute to David Bowie takes the stage June 23, Hotel California's ‘A Salute to the Eagles and Glen Frey' is slated for July 14, and Foreverland honors the music of Michael Jackson on July 26.

Among first-timers to the series this year are The Bird Dogs on June 2, getting accolades for the twin Zmed brothers, whose familial voices invoke the exquisite vocals and repertoire of the Everly Brothers. Handsome, youthful, Americana rockers Kingsborough will appear on Thursday, June 30, with rich four-part harmonies, and genuinely appealing, energetic, original songs.

Soul, funk, and R&B fans will enjoy Project 4 on Thursday, August 18. Band leader Gerald Glasper will bring the house down dressed as James Brown and other funk superstars.

World and Latin music lovers should attend the David Correa Group on Thursday, June 16 for some great flamenco and Spanish guitar. The co-bill with Dakila and Da Island Way on Thursday, July 21 blends Polynesian dance with Latin Rock. Violin and harp virtuoso Carlos Reyes and the Electric Symphony return on Thursday, August 11.

Many of the concerts are broadcast live (as well as rebroadcast) on Concord Cable TV channel 28 (Comcast), 29 (Astound) and 99 (U-Verse).

Tuesday Night Blues Series

July's Tuesday Blues series returns this year with four shows from 6:30 to 8 p.m. from July 5 to July 26. In a nod to “Women in Blues”, this year's series will open with Concord's own Annie Sampson, and close with LA's charismatic blues singer Shari Puorto. The July 5 opener will also include Cool Concord Cars - a display of vintage autos that encircles the plaza. The Fargo Brothers perform July 12, with perennial favorite Willie G taking the stage July 19.

Todos Santos Plaza Special Events

In addition to a year-round Farmers' Market on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the summer music series', downtown Concord's Todos Santos Plaza features a number of special events this summer.

Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available in two municipal garages and on the street. For a complete listing of musical guests and event information, visit www.concordfirst.org.